Best Meniscus Injury Doctor in Mumbai
Meniscus injuries are some of the most common and painful knee issues that affects individuals of all ages. Often starting with mild pain, stiffness, locking, or swelling, meniscus tears can quickly lead to intense, ongoing pain and knee instability.
Though meniscus injuries are often associated with younger people due to sudden twists or impacts, they're surprisingly common in older adults, too. The meniscus becomes more vulnerable to wear and tear as we age and it makes elder adults more susceptible to injuries.
Not All Meniscus Injuries Are the Same
Meniscus injuries can range widely in how they feel and heal. Some might immediately cause pain and swelling, while others may start "silently" with symptoms like stiffness or knee instability appearing over time.
While a meniscus injury might sound straightforward, the symptoms, causes, and healing process vary with each case.
"Tears in the red zone are more likely to heal naturally, while tears in the white zone often need surgical intervention," says top meniscus injury doctor in Mumbai, Dr. Pradeep Moonot.
Since anyone at any age is vulnerable to this painful injury, being informed about this knee problems is essential. With insights from Mumbai's top meniscus specialist, Dr. Pradeep Moonot, this blog quickly explains meniscus injuries, their causes, and treatment options. Let's dive in!
What Exactly Is a Meniscus Injury?
The meniscus is a small piece of cartilage inside the knee. It acts as a shock absorber between the shinbone and thighbone, allowing smooth movement, reducing friction, and evenly distributing weight across the knee joint—all crucial functions for healthy physical movement.
An injury, whether from sudden twisting during sports, a direct blow to the knee, or a gradual wear-and-tear process, can damage this cartilage, triggering various issues. Symptoms of meniscus injuries can include pain, stiffness, and occasional "popping" or clicking sounds from the knee. Mild symptoms can slowly worsen, leading to swelling, stiffness, and knee locking. In severe cases, knee instability can make movement painful and challenging.
Causes and Types of Meniscus Tears:
Sudden Twisting Motion that happens in sports activities like golf, baseball, and skiing puts excessive stress on the meniscus, causing tears. A direct blow to the knee due to a fall or collision can also lead to meniscus tears. This can happen more often in older adults due to the meniscus becoming weaker with age.
In certain cases, occupational stress caused by excessive knee bending, squatting, or twisting motions may also cause meniscus tears. That said, the location of a tear significantly impacts its healing potential:
"Tears in the outer part of the meniscus often heal independently with conservative treatments like RICE and physical therapy since this outer region has a blood supply. In contrast, tears in the inner region, the 'white zone,' lack blood flow and usually need surgical intervention," says Dr. Pradeep Moonot.
Treatment for Meniscus Injury in Mumbai
Non-surgical treatments for meniscus injuries include RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), physical therapy, and medications. Tears in the red zone generally respond well to these non-surgical methods. However, for meniscus tears requiring surgery, arthroscopy is the most effective option for repairing the damaged cartilage.
"Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery using a tiny camera and specialized surgical instruments inserted through small incisions near the knee. This equipment allows surgeons to repair the torn part of the cartilage, helping retain natural movement," explains meniscus injury specialist Dr. Pradeep Moonot.
A leading orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Pradeep Moonot has an exceptional track record in treating meniscus injuries across all age groups, offering both non-surgical and surgical options. To consult Dr. Pradeep Moonot, please reach out here Call@ +91 9321001166